Somali referee Artan denied entry to USA for World Cup

The US State Department told the AFP news agency that the referee was "associated with alleged members of terrorist organizations" and was therefore "not eligible for entry into the United States." The US Customs and Border Protection agency (CBP) generally cited "concerns identified during the security screening." According to Artan's own account, he was not given any substantive reason for the decision.

FIFA's response

FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his concern at a press conference on the day before the opening match of the Women's World Cup in Mexico City. "It is unfortunate what has happened to the referee from Somalia. Again, we don't have everything under control. We will try, we will talk about it, we will consult, we will see," said the 56-year-old Swiss national. At the same time, he made clear that FIFA respects the host country's sovereignty over visa decisions.

Infantino pointed out that FIFA is "not the kings of the world" and cannot rule over governments and police forces. Responding to the rhetorical question of whether it would be normal for FIFA to dictate to the British government who it lets into the country, he said: "Unfortunately our world is a very dangerous and aggressive world, and security comes above everything. One has to respect the decisions that are taken."

In view of the criticism directed at FIFA, Infantino called for calm: it is sometimes "good to calm down, to relax – we are working on everything, we are trying to resolve everything. Sometimes the opposite effect is created by immediately screaming and shouting rather than finding a solution." One should trust that work was being done behind the scenes.

Consequences for Artan and Somalia

Artan had been named African Referee of the Year in May 2025, after having already officiated at major international events. Upon his return to Mogadishu, he was welcomed at the airport by more than 100 supporters and numerous journalists. Speaking to the "New York Times," he said he had "the right documents and everything." He stressed: "I had the proper visa."

The Somali government had turned to US authorities and FIFA immediately after the turnaway, but so far without success. Somalia is one of 39 countries whose nationals are affected by the US government's tightened entry regulations. Fans and officials from Iran have likewise recently been denied entry to the United States, citing the strained relations between the two countries.

Artan himself said he was "very, very disappointed" after the forced turnaround, but announced his intention to continue working as a referee: "Despite what has happened to me, I am not discouraged." At the press conference in Mexico City, Infantino was also asked by the BBC whether FIFA had lost control of its own tournament – a question he answered indirectly by pointing to the responsibility of the host countries.

Infantino also used the press conference to reaffirm his hope of hosting a 2035 Women's World Cup in Great Britain: "I think we are hoping that the Women's World Cup 2035 will take place in Great Britain – a decision still has to be taken but it is looking very much like it."